White House Addresses Confusion Over Trump’s Investment Figures
President Donald Trump’s statements about record-setting US investments were highlighted at the White House press briefing on Monday. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt touted Trump’s international and domestic investment, but she also provided numbers that contradicted the president’s words from days earlier.
Since Trump’s second term began, about $9 trillion in investments have entered the country, roughly nine times more than under Joe Biden, according to Leavitt. She added that the government expects this amount to increase to $15 trillion soon, highlighting Trump’s aim to make the US the world’s top manufacturing hub.
But Trump has publicly cited a considerably greater figure. He claimed in his UK visit last week that the U.S. has attracted $17 trillion in new investments in eight months. Tariffs drove this remarkable success, he said. Trump said that the Biden administration had failed to attract even a quarter of that amount, demonstrating America’s economic recovery under his leadership.
The president expressed confidence that investment will rise, calling the nation’s progress “an economic superstar.” He also mentioned over $17 trillion earlier this month, comparing it to China’s $18.7 trillion GDP in 2024. Trump again attributed the spike to tariffs and defended his administration’s tariff strategy, which the Supreme Court is reviewing.
Despite Trump’s repeated allusions to $17 trillion, White House records reveal otherwise. The administration reports $8.8 trillion in investments since Trump took office. Experts also highlight that several of Trump’s initiatives were pledged before his presidency, such as billions for a Michigan solar plant proposal by Biden.
The discrepancies have cast doubt on Trump’s promises and raised doubts about investment totals. Critics say the White House still emphasizes historic growth, but these investments have different timelines and sources. Trump and his team want to portray the U.S. economy as booming under him, but the numbers are disputed.
Sources
CBS News
White House press briefing statements
